JP2020149549A - Settlement device and control program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow a user of digital money to easily know a charge amount required for payment.SOLUTION: A settlement device acquires a payment amount and a balance of digital money. When the balance is less than the payment amount, the settlement device notifies of an amount required to be charged set based on an amount obtained by subtracting the balance from the payment amount. Then, the settlement device receives a payment. The settlement device, when being notified of the amount required to be charged and receiving the payment equal to or grater than the amount required to be charged, updates the balance to an amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount from an amount obtained by adding the payment to the balance, and settles a transaction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a payment device and a control program for causing a computer to function as the payment device.

In recent years, electronic payment services using IC cards, smartphones, and the like as media have become widespread. The electronic payment service is to pay the price of goods or the consideration for services by electronic transfer of monetary value. Electronic monetary value is commonly referred to as electronic money. With the spread of such electronic payment services, many stores are promoting the introduction of payment devices compatible with electronic payment services.

Electronic payment services include a prepaid method, a so-called prepaid method, and a postpaid method, a so-called postpaid method. In the case of the prepaid method, the user of the electronic payment service needs to deposit the electronic money in advance. Depositing electronic money is generally referred to as charging. Some payment devices that support electronic payment services have an electronic money charging function. When a user charges electronic money using the charging function of a payment device, it is necessary to charge at least until the amount required for payment.

Japanese Patent No. 6247238

The problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a payment device that allows a user of electronic money to easily know the charge amount required for payment.

In one embodiment, the payment device includes a payment amount acquisition means, a balance acquisition means, a first payment means, a first notification means, a deposit means, and a second payment means. The payment amount acquisition means acquires the payment amount. The balance acquisition means acquires the balance of electronic money. When the balance is equal to or greater than the payment amount, the first settlement means updates the balance to an amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount from the balance and settles the transaction. When the balance is less than the payment amount, the first notification means notifies the required charge amount set based on the amount obtained by subtracting the balance from the payment amount. The deposit method accepts deposits. In the second payment method, when the required charge amount is notified by the first notification method and the payment method receives more than the required charge amount, the balance is deducted from the amount obtained by adding the amount deposited to the balance. Settle the transaction by updating to the amount you paid.

The schematic diagram of the checkout system which concerns on this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the main part circuit configuration of the registration apparatus which constitutes a part of the checkout system in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the main part circuit configuration of the payment apparatus which constitutes a part of the checkout system in this embodiment. In this embodiment, a flow chart showing a main information processing procedure executed by a processor of a payment device according to a payment program. In this embodiment, a flow chart showing a main information processing procedure executed by a processor of a payment device according to a payment program. In this embodiment, a flow chart showing a main information processing procedure executed by a processor of a payment device according to a payment program. In this embodiment, a flow chart showing a main information processing procedure executed by a processor of a payment device according to a payment program. In this embodiment, a flow chart showing a main information processing procedure executed by a processor of a payment device according to a payment program. In this embodiment, the figure which shows an example of the payment method selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the payment apparatus. In this embodiment, the figure which shows an example of the reading standby screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. In this embodiment, a diagram showing an example of a payment completion selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the payment device. In this embodiment, the figure which shows an example before specifying the charge amount of the charge screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. In this embodiment, the figure which shows an example after designating the charge amount of the charge screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. In this embodiment, the figure which shows an example of the cash insertion screen displayed on the touch panel of the payment apparatus.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a payment device that allows an electronic money user to easily know the charge amount required for payment will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, a semi-self-type checkout system introduced in a retail store such as a mass retailer will be illustrated. The semi-self checkout system is a registration device that registers sales data of products purchased by customers and generates accounting data, and cash, electronic money, credit cards, etc. based on the accounting data generated by this registration device. It is equipped with a payment device that settles transactions according to a payment method. The registration device and the payment device are installed separately, and the store clerk operates the registration device and the customer operates the payment device. The payment device has an electronic money charging function.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a plurality of registration devices 11 and a payment device 12. The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are arranged in each checkout lane of the store. Note that FIG. 1 shows a case where the number of payment devices 12 is larger than that of the registration device 11. The number of payment devices 12 connected to the registration device 11 may be one.

FIG. 1 shows a case where two registration devices 11 and six payment devices 12 are arranged in two checkout lanes. In FIG. 1, one registration device 11 and three payment devices 12 (12-1, 12-2, 12-3) are arranged for one checkout lane. The number of checkout systems 10 including the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 is arbitrary. Further, the ratio of the number of registration devices 11 and the payment devices 12 arranged in the checkout lane is also arbitrary.

The operator of the registration device 11 is a clerk 21 who plays a role called a checker. The operator of the payment device 12 is a customer 22 who purchases a product sold at a store. That is, the checkout system 10 is a semi-self system.

The registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. By arranging the plurality of work tables 23 so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel to each other, a passage for the customer 22, a so-called checkout lane, is formed.

The registration device 11 includes functions of registering sales products, generating accounting data, and transmitting accounting data to the settlement device 12. The registration of the product for sale means that the product purchased by the customer 22 is registered in the registration device 11 as the product for sale. For example, by scanning the barcode attached to the product with a scanner, the product is registered in the registration device 11 as a product for sale. The accounting data is data related to accounting of sales products registered as one transaction, and is used for settlement processing described later. The accounting data includes the product code, the product name, the unit price, the quantity, and the payment amount calculated from the unit price and the quantity, which are the identification codes of the products for sale.

The payment device 12 has functions of receiving accounting data, transferring accounting data to another payment device 12, and processing payment. The settlement process is to process the settlement of a transaction, which is an act of buying and selling goods, based on accounting data. For payment, cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. are used as payment methods. When the settlement device 12 receives the accounting data from the registration device 11 or another settlement device 12, the settlement device 12 processes the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data.

For settlement, a gift certificate or other cash voucher may be used as a payment method. When making a payment with a cash voucher, the clerk needs to confirm the cash voucher. Therefore, the registration device 11 also has a payment processing function, and can mainly process payment by cash vouchers. The registration device 11 can further process payments by cash, credit card, electronic money, or the like by itself.

Although not shown, the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network), which is a network. A server is connected to the LAN. The server is provided with a product database in which product information such as product name and unit price is set in association with the product code of each product. The registration device 11 and the payment device 12, or the payment device 12 and another payment device 12, exchange information via a LAN. Information may be exchanged between the registration device and the payment device via a server. As the network, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be used instead of the LAN.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the registration device 11. The registration device 11 includes a processor 11a, a main memory 11b, an auxiliary storage device 11c, a communication unit 11d, a keyboard 11e, a scanner 11f, a touch panel 11g, a customer display 11h, a printer 11i, a drawer opening mechanism 11j, and a system transmission line 11k. The system transmission line 11k includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission line 11k interconnects the processor 11a, the main memory 11b, the auxiliary storage device 11c, the communication unit 11d, the keyboard 11e, the scanner 11f, the touch panel 11g, the customer display 11h, the printer 11i, and the drawer opening mechanism 11j. .. The computer of the registration device 11 is configured by connecting the processor 11a, the main memory 11b, and the auxiliary storage device 11c via the system transmission line 11k.

The processor 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11a controls each unit in order to realize various functions as the registration device 11 according to the operating system or the application program. The processor 11a is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The main memory 11b corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory 11b includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11b stores an operating system or an application program in a non-volatile memory area. The main memory 11b may store data necessary for the processor 11a to execute a process for controlling each part in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 11b uses a volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11a. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary storage device 11c corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like can be an auxiliary storage device 11c. The auxiliary storage device 11c stores data used by the processor 11a to perform various processes, data created by the processes of the processor 11a, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 11c may store the above application program.

The application program stored in the main memory 11b or the auxiliary storage device 11c includes a registration program described with respect to information processing executed by the registration device 11. The method of installing the registration program in the main memory 11b or the auxiliary storage device 11c is not particularly limited. The registration program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or the registration program can be distributed by communication via a network and installed in the main memory 11b or the auxiliary storage device 11c. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and the device can read it.

The communication unit 11d performs data communication with the payment device 12 connected via the LAN. The communication unit 11d can also perform data communication with other registration devices 11 and servers connected via a LAN.

The keyboard 11e is a keyboard dedicated to the registration device in which well-known keys such as a numeric keypad, a subtotal key, a cancel key, and a clear key are arranged. The keyboard 11e may be a general-purpose keyboard provided with a numeric keypad to which functions such as a subtotal key, a cancel key, and a clear key are assigned.

The scanner 11f reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes. The scanner 11f may be of a type that reads a code symbol by scanning a laser beam, or may be a type that reads a code symbol from an image captured by an imaging device.

The touch panel 11g is a device having both an input device and a display device. The touch panel 11g displays information to a clerk who is an operator of the registration device 11, and receives an operation input by the clerk.

The customer display 11h displays information to a customer who has registered a product to be purchased in the registration device 11.

The printer 11i issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on the receipt paper. As the printer 11i of this type, for example, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like can be used.

The drawer opening mechanism 11j opens a drawer for accommodating cash or cash vouchers such as gift certificates and coupons.

As the hardware of such a registration device 11, for example, an existing POS (Point Of Sales) terminal can be used.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the payment device 12. The payment device 12 includes a processor 12a, a main memory 12b, an auxiliary storage device 12c, a communication unit 12d, a scanner 12e, a touch panel 12f, a printer 12g, a reader / writer 12h, a change machine 12i, and a system transmission line 12j. The system transmission line 12j includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission line 12j interconnects the processor 12a, the main memory 12b, the auxiliary storage device 12c, the communication unit 12d, the scanner 12e, the touch panel 12f, the printer 12g, the reader / writer 12h, and the change machine 12i. The computer of the payment device 12 is configured by connecting the processor 12a, the main memory 12b, and the auxiliary storage device 12c via the system transmission line 12j.

The processor 12a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 12a controls each part in order to realize various functions as the payment device 12 according to the operating system or the application program. The processor 12a is, for example, a CPU.

The main memory 12b corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory 12b includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12b stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 12b may store data necessary for the processor 12a to execute a process for controlling each part in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12b uses a volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 12a. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

The auxiliary storage device 12c corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, EEPROM, HDD, SSD, etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 12c. The auxiliary storage device 12c stores data used by the processor 12a to perform various processes, data created by the processes of the processor 12a, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 12c may store the above application program.

The application program stored in the main memory 12b or the auxiliary storage device 12c includes a control program described for information processing executed by the payment device 12, a so-called payment program. The method of installing the payment program in the main memory 12b or the auxiliary storage device 12c is not particularly limited. The payment program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or the payment program can be distributed by communication via a network and installed in the main memory 12b or the auxiliary storage device 12c. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and the device can read it.

The communication unit 12d performs data communication with the registration device 11 connected via the LAN. The communication unit 12d can also perform data communication with another payment device 12 and a server connected via a LAN.

The scanner 12e reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes. The scanner 12e may be of a type that reads a code symbol by scanning a laser beam, or may be a type that reads a code symbol from an image captured by an imaging device.

The touch panel 12f is a device having both an input device and a display device. The touch panel 12f displays information to a customer who is an operator of the payment device 12, and receives an operation input by the customer.

The printer 12g issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, or the like on the receipt paper. As the printer 12g of this type, for example, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like can be used.

The reader / writer 12h has a function of reading data recorded on a medium such as a card or a smartphone, and a function of writing data on the medium. The card may include a membership card called a member's card, a point card, or the like, in addition to a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, or a prepaid card. The reader / writer 12h may be a magnetic device, a contact device, or a non-contact device, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The change machine 12i collects the inserted coins and banknotes. Further, the change machine 12i discharges coins and banknotes as change.

As the hardware of such a payment device 12, for example, a POS terminal compatible with an existing self-checkout system, a so-called self-checkout, can be used.

The payment device 12 having such a configuration has a charging function capable of charging electronic money when paying the price with electronic money. Therefore, next, this charging function will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 14.

4 to 8 are flow charts showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor 12a of the payment device 12 according to the payment program. 9 to 14 are diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 12f according to the information processing. The information processing procedure and the contents of the screen display are not limited to this. If it is possible to obtain similar results, the information processing procedure and the contents of the screen display can be variously modified and implemented.

The processor 12a waits for the reception of accounting data as ACT1. As described above, the accounting data is generated by the registration device 11. Then, the accounting data generated by the registration device 11 is transmitted to the settlement device 12 in the same checkout lane. Accounting data may also be transferred from other payment devices in the same checkout lane. The accounting data may be transferred from the registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 in different checkout lanes.

When the processor 12a receives the accounting data via the communication unit 12d, the processor 12a determines YES in ACT1 and proceeds to ACT2. The processor 12a stores the accounting data received as ACT2 in the main memory 12b, and acquires the payment amount A which is the price from the accounting data. The payment amount A is an amount calculated as an amount to be paid by the customer 22 based on the sales data of the product registered as one transaction in the registration device 11. The accounting data includes data of the payment amount A.

The processor 12a that has acquired the payment amount A and stored it in the main memory 12b switches the screen of the touch panel 12f as the ACT 3 from the initial screen to the payment method selection screen SC1 (see FIG. 9). The initial screen is arbitrary. For example, it may be a screen on which a message such as "Welcome" is displayed. Alternatively, the payment method selection screen SC1 may be displayed in an inactive state.

FIG. 9 is a display example of the payment method selection screen SC1. As shown in FIG. 9, a message MS1 prompting the selection of a payment method is displayed on the payment method selection screen SC1. Further, on the payment method selection screen SC1, each image of the cash button BT1, the credit button BT2, the electronic money button BT3, and the call button BT4, and the payment amount area AR1 are arranged.

The cash button BT1 is a button image for accepting a declaration of cash payment. The credit button BT2 is a button image for accepting a declaration of credit card payment. The electronic money button BT3 is a button image for accepting a declaration of electronic money payment. The call button BT4 is a button image for calling a clerk. The payment amount area AR1 is an area for displaying the payment amount A stored in ACT2. Incidentally, the payment method selection screen SC1 of FIG. 9 illustrates a case where the payment amount A is 4,000 yen.

In the present embodiment, the payment methods that can be used in the payment device 12 are cash, credit card, and electronic money, but the payment method is not limited to this. For example, it may include a payment method based on accumulated points of service points. Further, the credit card may be divided into an in-house credit card and a credit card of another company. Similarly, electronic money may be divided into own-house electronic money and other companies' electronic money.

The customer 22 who has registered the purchased product in the registration device 11 and moved to the settlement device 12 to which the accounting data has been transferred selects a payment method from the payment method selection screen SC1. For example, the customer 22 who wishes to pay cash touches the cash button BT1. Then, the customer 22 inserts cash equal to or greater than the payment amount into the change machine 12i. The customer 22 who wishes to pay by credit card touches the credit button BT2. Then, the customer 22 causes the reader / writer 12h to read the credit card. The customer 22 who wishes to pay electronic money touches the electronic money button BT3. Then, the customer causes the reader / writer 12h to read the data of the medium related to the electronic money. The medium related to electronic money, the so-called electronic money medium, is, for example, an IC card, a smartphone, or the like.

The processor 12a that controls the display of the payment method selection screen SC1 waits for the payment method to be selected as ACT4. Specifically, the processor 12a waits for the cash button BT1 to be touched, the credit button BT2 to be touched, or the electronic money button BT3 to be touched. Incidentally, when it is detected that the call button BT4 is touched in this standby state, the processor 12a controls the communication unit 12d so as to transmit a call command to the registration device 11. By this control, a calling command is transmitted from the communication unit 12d to the registration device 11. The processor 11a of the registration device 11 that has received the call command via the communication unit 11d displays on the touch panel 11g in order to notify the clerk that the call of the clerk has been received.

When the processor 12a detects that the cash button BT1, the credit button BT2, or the electronic money button BT3 is touched in the standby state of the ACT 4, the processor 12a determines YES and proceeds to the ACT 5. The processor 12a determines whether or not the button touched as the ACT 5 is the electronic money button BT3. When the touched button is not the electronic money button BT3, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT5 and executes another process. For example, when the touched button is the cash button BT1, the processor 12a executes a payment process by cash payment. When the touched button is the credit button BT2, the processor 12a executes the payment process by credit card payment. Since these payment processes are existing processes and are well known, the description thereof is omitted here.

If the touched button is the electronic money button BT3, the processor 12a determines YES in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT6. The processor 12a switches the screen of the touch panel 12f as the ACT 6 from the payment method selection screen SC1 to the electronic money reading standby screen SC2 (see FIG. 10).

FIG. 10 is a display example of the read standby screen SC2. As shown in FIG. 10, a message MS2 prompting to read the electronic money is displayed on the read standby screen SC2. Further, on the read standby screen SC2, an image of the call button BT4, a payment amount area AR1 and a payment method area AR2 are arranged. Further, although not shown, an illustration showing an electronic money reading operation is also displayed on a part of the reading standby screen SC2. The payment method area AR2 is an area for displaying the payment method selected in ACT4. The customer 22 who has confirmed the read standby screen SC2, that is, the user of the electronic money, causes the reader / writer 12h to read the data of the medium related to the electronic money. Incidentally, the read standby screen SC2 of FIG. 10 illustrates a case where electronic money is selected as a payment method for a transaction in which the payment amount A is 4,000 yen.

The processor 12a that controls the display of the read standby screen SC2 waits for the data to be read by the reader / writer 12h as the ACT7. In this standby state, when the data of the electronic money medium is input via the reader / writer 12h, the processor 12a determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8. The processor 12a stores the data of the electronic money medium read as the ACT 8 in the main memory 12b, and acquires the balance B of the electronic money based on the data. The balance B is included in the data read from the electronic money medium. The balance B may be associated with the data read from the electronic money medium and stored in a server on the network. In that case, the processor 12a acquires the balance B from the server.

The processor 12a that acquires the balance B and stores it in the main memory 12b confirms whether or not the payment amount A is equal to or less than the upper limit of the electronic money balance as ACT9. The maximum balance is the maximum balance of electronic money associated with one electronic money medium. Electronic money cannot be charged in excess of the maximum balance.

If the payment amount A is equal to or less than the upper limit of the balance, the processor 12a determines YES in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT10. The processor 12a confirms whether or not the balance B is equal to or greater than the payment amount A as the ACT 10. When the balance B is equal to or greater than the payment amount A, the payment amount A can be paid by electronic money. That is, payment by electronic money is established.

When the balance B is equal to or greater than the payment amount A, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 10 and proceeds to the ACT 11. The processor 12a updates the balance B stored in the main memory 12b as the ACT 11 to a value obtained by subtracting the payment amount A from the balance B. Then, the processor 12a executes the electronic money payment process as the ACT 12. Since this payment process is also well known in the existing process, a specific description will be omitted. In addition, when the balance B is included in the data read from the electronic money medium by this settlement process, the balance B is rewritten to the amount after the payment amount A is reduced. When the balance B is stored in the server, the balance B is updated to the amount after the payment amount A is reduced.

After completing the payment process, the processor 12a controls the issuance of the receipt as ACT13. That is, the processor 12a generates receipt data including detailed information of the product registered as one transaction and payment information indicating that the payment amount of the transaction has been paid by electronic money based on the accounting data, and the printer 12g Output to. By this control, the printer 12g operates and the receipt data is printed on the paper. Then, when printing is completed, the paper is cut and issued as a receipt. When the receipt is issued, the processor 12a switches the screen of the touch panel 12f as the ACT 14 from the reading standby screen SC2 to the payment completion screen SC3 (see FIG. 11).

FIG. 11 is a display example of the payment completion screen SC3. As shown in FIG. 11, a message MS3 warning that the receipt has been forgotten is displayed on the payment completion screen SC3. Further, on the payment completion screen SC3, an image of the call button BT4, a payment amount area AR1, a payment method area AR2, and a balance area AR3 are arranged. Although not shown, an illustration showing the receipt issuing port is also displayed on a part of the payment completion screen SC3. The balance area AR3 is an area for displaying the balance of electronic money after subtracting the payment amount A. Incidentally, the payment completion screen SC3 of FIG. 11 illustrates a case where electronic money having a balance B of 5,234 yen is read after the read standby screen SC2 of FIG. 10 is displayed. That is, the case where the balance B of the electronic money is updated to the amount of 1,234 yen obtained by subtracting the payment amount of 4,000 yen from the original balance of 5,234 yen is illustrated.

The user who confirms the payment completion screen SC3 leaves the payment device 12 after receiving the receipt. When the user leaves the payment device 12, the screen of the touch panel 12f returns to the initial screen. With the above, the processor 12a ends the information processing when the balance B of the electronic money is equal to or less than the upper limit of the balance and is equal to or more than the payment amount A.

Next, a case where the balance B of the electronic money is smaller than the payment amount A will be described.
When the balance B of the electronic money is smaller than the payment amount A, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 10 and proceeds to the ACT 21 of FIG. The processor 12a calculates the shortfall amount of the balance B with respect to the payment amount A as the ACT 21. That is, the processor 12a calculates the amount obtained by subtracting the balance B from the payment amount A as the shortage amount.

After calculating the shortfall amount, the processor 12a sets the required charge amount C as the ACT 22 based on the shortage amount. In this embodiment, the charge amount is in units of 1,000 yen. Then, the processor 12a sets the amount of the shortage amount rounded up in units of 100 yen or less as the required charge amount C. For example, if the payment amount A is 4,000 yen and the balance B of electronic money is 1,001 yen, the shortage amount is 2,999 yen, so the required charge amount C is 3,000 yen. .. For example, if the payment amount A is 4,000 yen and the balance B of electronic money is 999 yen, the shortage amount is 3,001 yen, so the required charge amount C is 4,000 yen. ..

The processor 12a in which the required charge amount C is set switches the screen of the touch panel 12f as the ACT 23 from the read standby screen SC2 to the charge screen SC4 (see FIG. 12).

FIG. 12 is a display example of the charge screen SC4. As shown in FIG. 12, a message MS4 prompting the designation of the charge amount is displayed on the charge screen SC4. Further, on the charge screen SC4, an image of the charge button BT5, an image of the call button BT4, an image of the cancel button BT6, an image of the OK button BT7, a charge required amount area AR4, a balance area AR5, and a charge amount area AR6 and are arranged.

The charge button BT5 includes five amount buttons to which charge amounts of 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen are assigned, and an amount input button. The amount button is a button for designating the assigned charge amount. The amount input button is a button for designating an arbitrary charge amount in units of 1,000 yen. When the amount input button is touched, the image of the numeric keypad button is displayed on the touch panel 12f on the charge screen SC4. Here, when specifying, for example, 4,000 yen as the charge amount, the user touches the ten-key button of "4". By doing so, the payment device 12 processes the charge amount of 4,000 yen as if it were designated. Similarly, when the user touches the numeric keypad buttons in the order of, for example, "1" and "5", the payment device 12 processes the charge amount of 15,000 yen as specified. It is not possible to specify as the charge amount an amount whose balance after charging exceeds the upper limit of the balance.

The stop button BT6 is a button for instructing the stop of charging. The OK button BT7 is a button image for instructing the determination of the charge amount. The required charge amount area AR4 is an area for displaying the required charge amount C set in the ACT 22. The balance area AR5 is an area for displaying the balance B of the electronic money stored in the ACT 8. The charge amount area AR6 is an area for displaying a designated charge amount. Before the charge amount is specified, the charge amount area AR6 is blank. Alternatively, 0 yen may be displayed in the charge amount area AR6. In addition, the payment amount area AR1 may be arranged on the charge screen SC4 so that the user can confirm the payment amount A. Incidentally, FIG. 12 illustrates a case where the payment amount A is 4,000 yen and the balance B of the electronic money is 999 yen.

The processor 12a displaying the charge screen SC4 invalidates the OK button BT7 as the ACT 24. Specifically, the processor 12a is in a state of not accepting the input even if the OK button BT7 of the charge screen SC4 is touched. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the processor 12a grays out the image of the OK button BT7 to indicate that it is inactive.

The user who confirms the charge screen SC4 operates the charge button BT5 to specify the charge amount of the required charge amount C or more. However, for example, if you do not have cash of the required charge amount C or more, touch the stop button BT6 to instruct to stop the charge.

The processor 12a in which the OK button BT7 is invalidated confirms whether or not the stop button BT6 is input as the ACT 25. If the stop button BT6 is not input, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 25 and proceeds to the ACT 26. The processor 12a confirms whether or not the charge amount is specified as the ACT 26. If the charge amount is not specified, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 26 and returns to the ACT 25. Here, the processor 12a waits for the stop button BT6 to be input or the charge amount to be specified by the ACT 25 and ACT 26.

When the processor 12a detects that the stop button BT6 is touched by the signal from the touch panel 12f in the standby state of the ACT 25 and the ACT 26, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 25 and returns to the ACT 3 of FIG. That is, the processor 12a returns the screen of the touch panel 12f from the charge screen SC4 to the payment method selection screen SC1. Then, the processor 12a waits for one of the payment methods to be selected.

When the processor 12a detects that the charge amount is specified by the signal from the touch panel 12f in the standby state of the ACT 25 and the ACT 26, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 26 and proceeds to the ACT 27. The processor 12a acquires the charge amount D as the ACT 27. For example, when the amount button of 1,000 yen in the charge button BT5 is touched, the processor 12a acquires 1,000 yen as the charge amount D. The same applies when the amount button of 2,000 yen, the amount button of 3,000 yen, the amount button of 5,000 yen, or the amount button of 10,000 yen is touched. On the other hand, when the amount input button is touched, the processor 12a acquires the amount specified by the subsequent touch operation of the numeric keypad button as the charge amount D.

The processor 12a that has acquired the charge amount D and stored it in the main memory 12b compares the charge amount D with the required charge amount C as ACT28. Then, the processor 12a confirms whether or not the charge amount D is equal to or more than the required charge amount C. When the charge amount D is less than the charge required amount C, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 28 and returns to the ACT 25. That is, the processor 12a discards the charge amount D acquired in the ACT 27 and returns to the standby state of the ACT 25 and the ACT 26.

If the charge amount D is equal to or greater than the required charge amount C, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 28 and proceeds to the ACT 29. The processor 12a confirms whether or not the amount obtained by adding the charge amount D to the balance B of the electronic money as the ACT 29 exceeds the upper limit of the balance. When the sum of the balance B and the charge amount D exceeds the upper limit of the balance, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 29 and returns to the ACT 25. That is, the processor 12a discards the charge amount D acquired in the ACT 27 and returns to the standby state of the ACT 25 and the ACT 26.

If the sum of the balance B and the charge amount D is equal to or less than the upper limit of the balance, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 29 and proceeds to the ACT 30. The processor 12a activates the OK button BT7 of the charge screen SC4 as the ACT 30. Specifically, the processor 12a is in a state of accepting the input when the OK button BT7 of the charge screen SC4 is touched. Then, the processor 12a activates the image of the OK button BT7. Further, the processor 12a displays the charge amount D in the charge amount area AR6.

FIG. 13 shows the charge screen SC4 when the charge screen SC4 in which the required charge amount of FIG. 12 is 4,000 yen is displayed, and 5,000 yen is specified as the charge amount D equal to or greater than the required charge amount C. It is illustrated. Since the charge amount D is equal to or greater than the charge required amount C, the OK button BT7 is no longer grayed out, indicating that it is in an active state. Further, the charge amount D is displayed in the charge amount area AR6.

The user who confirms that the OK button BT7 is in the active state touches the OK button BT7. The user who specified the charge amount but cancels the charge touches the stop button BT6.

The processor 12a in which the OK button BT7 is enabled confirms whether or not the stop button BT6 is input as the ACT 31. If the stop button BT6 is not input, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 31 and proceeds to the ACT 32. The processor 12a confirms whether or not the OK button BT7 is input as the ACT 32. If the OK button BT7 is not input, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 32 and returns to the ACT 31. Here, the processor 12a waits for the stop button BT6 or the OK button BT7 to be input by the ACT 31 and the ACT 32.

When the processor 12a detects that the stop button BT6 is touched by the signal from the touch panel 12f in the standby state of the ACT 31 and the ACT 32, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 31 and returns to the ACT 3 of FIG. That is, the processor 12a returns the screen of the touch panel 12f from the charge screen SC4 to the payment method selection screen SC1. Then, the processor 12a waits for one of the payment methods to be selected.

When the processor 12a detects that the OK button BT7 is touched by the signal from the touch panel 12f in the standby state of the ACT 31 and the ACT 32, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 32 and proceeds to the ACT 33. The processor 12a switches the screen of the touch panel 12f as the ACT 33 from the charge screen SC4 to the cash insertion screen SC5 (see FIG. 14).

FIG. 14 is a display example of the cash insertion screen SC5. As shown in FIG. 14, a message MS5 prompting the cash insertion is displayed on the cash insertion screen SC5. Further, on the cash insertion screen SC5, an image of the call button BT4, an image of the stop button BT6, a charge amount area AR6, an input amount area AR7, a change area AR8, and a post-charge balance area AR9 are arranged. .. Although not shown, an illustration showing a cash insertion operation is also displayed on a part of the cash insertion screen SC5. The input amount area AR7 is an area for displaying the amount of cash inserted into the change machine 12i. The change area AR8 is an area for displaying the change amount obtained from the input amount and the charge amount. The post-charge balance area AR9 is an area for displaying the balance of electronic money after charging the charge amount. In FIG. 14, the amount of money is displayed in the input amount area AR7, the change area AR8, and the balance area after charge AR9, but the amount is not displayed at the time of ACT33.

The user who confirms the cash insertion screen SC5 inserts cash corresponding to the charge amount into the change machine 12i. However, if the person does not have cash equivalent to the charge amount, he / she touches the stop button BT6 to instruct the charge to be stopped.

The processor 12a displaying the cash insertion screen SC5 proceeds to ACT41 in FIG. The processor 12a clears the deposit memory E to "0" as the ACT 41. The deposit memory is formed in the volatile region of the main memory 12b.

The processor 12a confirms whether or not the stop button BT6 is input as the ACT 42. If the stop button BT6 is not input, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 42 and proceeds to the ACT 43. The processor 12a confirms whether or not cash has been inserted into the change machine 12i as the ACT 43. If no cash has been inserted, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 43 and returns to the ACT 42. Here, the processor 12a waits for the stop button BT6 to be input or cash to be input by the ACT 42 and the ACT 43.

When the processor 12a detects that the stop button BT6 is touched by the signal from the touch panel 12f in the standby state of the ACT 42 and the ACT 43, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 42 and proceeds to the ACT 44. The processor 12a confirms whether or not the value of the deposit memory E is larger than "0" as the ACT 44. When the value of the deposit memory E is "0", the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 44 and returns to the ACT 3 of FIG. On the other hand, when the value of the deposit memory E is larger than "0", the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 44 and proceeds to the ACT 45. The processor 12a controls the change machine 12i so as to pay out an amount corresponding to the value of the deposit memory E as the ACT 45. After that, the processor 12a returns to ACT3 of FIG. Thus, the processor 12a returns the screen of the touch panel 12f from the cash insertion screen SC5 to the payment method selection screen SC1. Then, the processor 12a waits for one of the payment methods to be selected.

When the processor 12a detects that cash has been inserted by the signal from the change machine 12i in the standby state of the ACT 42 and the ACT 43, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 43 and proceeds to the ACT 46. The processor 12a acquires the input amount F as the ACT 46. Then, the processor 12a adds the input amount F to the deposit memory E as the ACT 47.

The processor 12a confirms whether or not the value of the deposit memory E is equal to or greater than the charge amount D as the ACT 48. If the value of the deposit memory E is not equal to or greater than the charge amount D, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 48 and returns to the ACT 42. That is, the processor 12a returns to the standby state of the ACT 42 and the ACT 43. When the stop button BT6 is touched in this standby state, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 44 and executes the process of the ACT 45. That is, the processor 12a controls to pay out the cash inserted in the change machine 12i as it is, and returns the screen of the touch panel 12f from the cash insertion screen SC5 to the payment method selection screen SC1.

If the value of the deposit memory E becomes equal to or greater than the charge amount D as a result of inserting cash into the change machine 12i, the processor 12a determines YES in ACT48 and proceeds to ACT49. As the ACT 49, the processor 12a adds the value of the deposit memory E to the balance B acquired in the process of the ACT 8. Further, the processor 12a calculates the change amount G by subtracting the charge amount D from the value of the deposit memory E as the ACT50.

The processor 12a confirms whether or not the change amount G is larger than 0 as the ACT 51. When the change amount G is larger than 0, the processor 12a controls the change machine 12i so as to pay out the change amount G as the ACT 52. After that, the processor 12a proceeds to ACT53. When the change amount G is 0, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 51, skips the ACT 52, and proceeds to the ACT 53.

The processor 12a that has advanced to the ACT 53 displays the charge result on the cash insertion screen SC5 as the ACT 53. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the processor 12a displays the value of the deposit memory E in the input amount area AR7, displays the change amount in the change area AR8, and displays the value of the deposit memory E in the balance area after charging. The balance B after adding up is displayed.

After that, the processor 12a proceeds to ACT 11 of FIG. That is, the processor 12a updates the balance B stored in the main memory 12b to a value obtained by subtracting the payment amount A from the balance B. Then, the processor 12a executes the payment processing of electronic money. When the payment process is completed, the processor 12a controls the issuance of the receipt and switches the screen of the touch panel 12f from the cash insertion screen SC5 to the payment completion screen SC3.

The user who confirms the payment completion screen SC3 leaves the payment device 12 after receiving the receipt. When the user leaves the payment device 12, the screen of the touch panel 12f returns to the initial screen. With the above, the processor 12a ends the information processing when the balance B of the electronic money is smaller than the payment amount A.

Next, a case where the payment amount A exceeds the upper limit of the balance of electronic money will be described.
When the payment amount A exceeds the upper limit of the balance of electronic money, the processor 12a determines NO in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT61 in FIG. The processor 12a calculates the shortage amount of the balance B with respect to the upper limit amount of the balance as ACT61. That is, the processor 12a calculates the amount obtained by subtracting the balance B from the upper limit of the balance as the shortage amount.

After calculating the shortage amount, the processor 12a sets the required charge amount C as the ACT 62 based on the shortage amount, similarly to the ACT 22. Then, the processor 12a switches the screen of the touch panel 12f as the ACT 63 from the read standby screen SC2 to the charge screen SC4. Further, the processor 12a invalidates the OK button BT7 as ACT64.

Also in this case, the user operates the charge button BT5 to specify the charge amount of the required charge amount C or more. However, for example, if you do not have cash of the required charge amount C or more, touch the stop button BT6 to instruct to stop the charge.

The processor 12a in which the OK button BT7 is disabled confirms whether or not the stop button BT6 is input as the ACT 65. If the stop button BT6 is not input, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 65 and proceeds to the ACT 66. The processor 12a confirms whether or not the charge amount is specified as the ACT 66. If the charge amount is not specified, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 66 and returns to the ACT 65. Here, the processor 12a waits for the stop button BT6 to be input or the charge amount to be specified by the ACT 65 and ACT 66.

When the processor 12a detects that the stop button BT6 is touched by the signal from the touch panel 12f in the standby state of the ACT 65 and the ACT 66, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 65 and returns to the ACT 3 of FIG. That is, the processor 12a returns the screen of the touch panel 12f from the charge screen SC4 to the payment method selection screen SC1. Then, the processor 12a waits for one of the payment methods to be selected.

When the processor 12a detects that the charge amount is specified by the signal from the touch panel 12f in the standby state of the ACT 65 and the ACT 66, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 66 and proceeds to the ACT 67. As the ACT 67, the processor 12a acquires the charge amount D as in the ACT 27.

The processor 12a that has acquired the charge amount D and stored it in the main memory 12b compares the charge amount D with the required charge amount C as ACT68. Then, the processor 12a confirms whether or not the charge amount D is equal to the charge required amount C. If the charge amount D is not equal to the charge required amount C, the processor 12a determines NO in ACT68 and returns to ACT65. That is, the processor 12a discards the stored charge amount D and returns to the standby state of ACT65 and ACT66.

When the charge amount D is equal to the charge required amount C, the processor 12a determines YES in ACT68 and proceeds to ACT69. The processor 12a activates the OK button BT7 of the charge screen SC4 as the ACT 69.

The user who confirms that the OK button BT7 is in the active state touches the OK button BT7. The user who specified the charge amount but cancels the charge touches the stop button BT6.

The processor 12a in which the OK button BT7 is enabled confirms whether or not the stop button BT6 is input as the ACT 70. If the stop button BT6 is not input, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 70 and proceeds to the ACT 71. The processor 12a confirms whether or not the OK button BT7 is input as the ACT 71. If the OK button BT7 is not input, the processor 12a determines NO in the ACT 71 and returns to the ACT 70. Here, the processor 12a waits for the stop button BT6 or the OK button BT7 to be input by the ACT 70 and ACT 71.

When the processor 12a detects that the stop button BT6 is touched by the signal from the touch panel 12f in the standby state of the ACT 70 and the ACT 71, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 70 and returns to the ACT 3 of FIG. That is, the processor 12a returns the screen of the touch panel 12f from the charge screen SC4 to the payment method selection screen SC1. Then, the processor 12a waits for one of the payment methods to be selected.

When the processor 12a detects that the OK button BT7 is touched by the signal from the touch panel 12f in the standby state of the ACT 70 and the ACT 71, the processor 12a determines YES in the ACT 71 and proceeds to the ACT 72. As the ACT 72, the processor 12a switches the screen of the touch panel 12f from the charge screen SC4 to the cash insertion screen SC5, similarly to the ACT 33. After that, the processor 12a proceeds to ACT81 in FIG. The processor 12a clears the value E of the deposit memory to "0" as ACT81.

When the processing of the ACT 81 is completed, the processor 12a executes the same processing as the ACT 42 to ACT 53 of FIG. 6 as the ACT 82 to ACT 93. That is, the processor 12a waits for the stop button BT6 to be input or the charge cash to be input as the ACT 82 and the ACT 83. Then, when the stop button BT6 is touched, the processor 12a confirms whether or not the value of the deposit memory E is larger than "0" as the ACT 84. When the value of the deposit memory E is “0”, the processor 12a returns to ACT3 in FIG.

On the other hand, when the value of the deposit memory E is larger than "0", the processor 12a controls the change machine 12i so as to pay out an amount corresponding to the value of the deposit memory E as ACT85. After that, the processor 12a returns to ACT3 of FIG.

When the processor 12a detects that cash has been inserted into the change machine 12i in the standby state of the ACT 82 and the ACT 83, the processor 12a acquires the input amount F as the ACT 86. Then, the processor 12a adds the input amount F to the deposit memory E as the ACT 87. The processor 12a confirms whether or not the value of the deposit memory E is equal to or greater than the charge amount D as the ACT88. If the value of the deposit memory E is not equal to or greater than the charge amount D, the processor 12a returns to the standby state of the ACT 82 and the ACT 83.

When the value of the deposit memory E becomes equal to or greater than the charge amount D as a result of inserting cash into the change machine 12i, the processor 12a sets the value of the deposit memory E in the balance B acquired in the process of ACT8 as ACT89. to add. Further, the processor 12a calculates the change amount G by subtracting the charge amount D from the value of the deposit memory E as the ACT 90. Here, when the change amount G is larger than 0, the processor 12a controls the change machine 12i so as to pay out the change amount G as the ACT 92. When the change amount G is 0, the processor 12a skips the ACT 92.

As the ACT 93, the processor 12a displays the charge result on the cash insertion screen SC5 in the same manner as the ACT 53. Further, the processor 12a sets the balance B to "0" as the ACT 94. Then, the processor 12a executes the electronic money payment process as the ACT 95 in the same manner as the ACT 12 of FIG.

When the electronic money payment process is completed, the processor 12a calculates the balance of the payment amount A as ACT96. That is, the processor 12a calculates the amount obtained by subtracting the upper limit of the balance from the payment amount A as the balance of the payment amount A. The processor 12a for which the balance is calculated returns to ACT3 in FIG. That is, the processor 12a returns the screen of the touch panel 12f from the charge screen SC4 to the payment method selection screen SC1. Then, the processor 12a waits for any payment method other than electronic money to be selected.

Therefore, when cash is selected as the payment method, the processor 12a executes a cash settlement process for the balance. When a credit card is selected as the payment method, the processor 12a executes a credit card payment process for the balance.
With the above, the processor 12a ends the information processing when the payment amount A exceeds the upper limit of the balance of the electronic money.

As is clear from the above description, the payment device 12 of the present embodiment constitutes a payment amount acquisition means by executing the processes of ACT1 and ACT2 by a computer whose main body is the processor 12a. That is, the computer acquires the payment amount A from the accounting data. Further, the payment device 12 constitutes a balance acquisition means when the computer executes the processing of the ACT 7 and the ACT 8 in cooperation with the reader / writer 12h. That is, the computer acquires the balance B of electronic money based on the data of the electronic money medium read by the reader / writer 12h. Further, the payment device 12 constitutes the first payment means by the computer executing the processing of ACT 10 to ACT 12. That is, when the balance B is equal to or greater than the payment amount A, the computer updates the balance B to the amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount A from the balance B and settles the transaction.

Further, the payment device 12 constitutes the first notification means when the computer cooperates with the touch panel 12f to execute ACT 10 and processing and processing of ACT 21 to ACT 23. That is, when the balance B is less than the payment amount A, the computer notifies the required charge amount C set based on the shortage amount obtained by subtracting the balance B from the payment amount A on the charge screen SC4 displayed on the touch panel 12f. To do. Further, the payment device 12 constitutes a payment means when the computer cooperates with the change machine 12i to execute the processes of ACT 41 to ACT 48. That is, the computer accepts the deposit of the charge amount for the electronic money by adding the amount of cash inserted into the change machine 12i in the deposit memory E. Further, the payment device 12 constitutes a second payment means by the computer executing the processing of the ACT 49 and the processing of the ACT 11 and the ACT 12. That is, when the computer is notified of the required charge amount C by the first notification means and receives a deposit of the required charge amount C or more by the deposit means, the balance B is paid by adding the amount deposited in the balance B. Settle the transaction by updating A to the reduced amount.

According to the payment device 12 having such a configuration, when the balance B of the electronic money is equal to or greater than the payment amount A, the transaction related to the payment amount is simply made to read the data of the electronic money medium by the reader / writer 12h. Can be settled.

On the other hand, when the balance B of the electronic money is less than the payment amount A, the user of the electronic money needs to charge the electronic money at least until the amount required for the payment is reached. According to the payment device 12 having the above configuration, the charge amount required for payment, that is, the charge required amount C is notified to the user, so that the user can easily know the charge required amount C. Then, when the user charges an amount equal to or greater than the required charge amount C, the payment device 12 executes the payment process using electronic money. Therefore, since the user does not waste time for charging because the required charge amount C is not known, the processing efficiency of the payment device 12 can be improved.

Further, the payment device 12 constitutes the designated means by the computer mainly composed of the processor 12a executing the processing of the ACT 26 to the ACT 29 in cooperation with the touch panel 12f. That is, the computer receives the operation input of the charge button BT5 of the charge screen SC4 displayed on the touch panel 12f and specifies the charge amount D. Then, the computer executes the processes of ACT 24 and ACT 30 so that the deposit means accepts the deposit on the condition that the charge amount D equal to or more than the charge required amount C is designated by the designated means.

According to the payment device 12 having such a configuration, even if a charge amount D less than the required charge amount C is specified, the payment means does not accept the payment, so that unnecessary payment processing is not executed. Therefore, from this point as well, the effect of increasing the processing efficiency of the payment device 12 is achieved.

Further, the designation means is a means for designating the amount assigned to any of the amount buttons selected on the charge screen SC4 in which a plurality of amount buttons to which different amounts are assigned are arranged as the charge amount. Then, the first notification means displays the required charge amount C on a part of the charge screen SC4 to notify the user. Therefore, since the user can specify the charge amount D while visually observing the required charge amount C, the user can easily specify the charge amount equal to or greater than the required charge amount C. Therefore, from this point as well, the effect of improving the processing efficiency of the payment device 12 can be achieved.

Moreover, in the payment device 12, an OK button BT7, which is an operation button for instructing the determination of the charge amount, is further arranged on the charge screen SC4. Then, the designating means allows the input of the OK button BT7 on the condition that the charge amount D equal to or more than the required charge amount C is designated. Further, the deposit means accepts the deposit according to the input of the OK button BT7. Therefore, the payment device 12 does not accept the input of the OK button BT7 until the charge amount D equal to or more than the required charge amount C is specified. Therefore, the processing efficiency of the payment device 12 can be improved from this point as well.

Further, the payment device 12 constitutes a second notification means when a computer mainly composed of the processor 12a cooperates with the touch panel 12f to execute the processing of the ACT 4 and the processing of the ACT 61 to the ACT 63. That is, when the payment amount A exceeds the upper limit of the balance of electronic money, the computer displays the required charge amount C, which is set based on the amount obtained by subtracting the balance B from the upper limit of the balance, on the touch panel 12f. Notify above. Further, the computer constitutes a third payment means by executing the processing of ACT81 to ACT96 and the processing of ACT3 to ACT5 in cooperation with the change machine 12i. That is, when the computer is notified of the required charge amount C by the second notification means and receives a deposit of the required charge amount C or more by the deposit means, the balance B is updated to zero and the upper limit of the balance is subtracted from the payment amount A. Settle the transaction by a method other than electronic money for the balance.

Since the payment device 12 further includes the above configuration, when the payment amount A exceeds the upper limit of the balance of electronic money, the payment is made with electronic money up to the upper limit of the balance of electronic money, and the rest is other than electronic money. It is possible to reliably take the operation of paying by the payment method. Therefore, even when the payment amount A exceeds the upper limit of the balance of the electronic money, the processing efficiency of the payment device 12 does not decrease, and the payment can be processed quickly.

Although the embodiment of the payment device that allows the user of electronic money to easily know the charge amount required for payment has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this.

In the above embodiment, the required charge amount C is notified to the user by displaying the required charge amount C on the charge screen SC4 displayed on the touch panel 12f. The means for notifying the required charge amount C is not limited to display. For example, if the payment device 12 includes a voice synthesizer, the user may be notified of the required charge amount C by voice.

In the above embodiment, the amount required to be charged is defined as the amount obtained by rounding up the shortage amount in units of 100 yen or less. In this regard, the required charge amount C may be the sum of the amount obtained by rounding up the shortage amount in units of 100 yen or less and the amount of money that is desired to be left as a balance after payment. For example, if the payment amount A is 4,000 yen and the electronic money balance B is 1,001 yen, and you want to keep the balance of 2,000 yen after payment, the charge required amount C is It will be 5,000 yen. In this case, when the user charges 5,000 yen, the balance of the electronic money after payment becomes 2,001 yen. By the way, it is desirable that the amount of money to be left as a balance after payment is set in advance for each user. Of course, the amount of money that you want to keep as a balance after payment may be set uniformly.
In the above embodiment, the OK button BT7 is invalidated in ACT24 of FIG. 5, and in ACT28 and ACT29, the charge amount D is equal to or more than the required charge amount C, and the amount obtained by adding the charge amount D to the balance B of electronic money is the upper limit of the balance. The OK button BT7 was enabled when the value was not exceeded. In this regard, the OK button BT7 may always be enabled. In that case, the processor 12a confirms whether or not the balance B after adding the value of the deposit memory E is equal to or more than the required charge amount C after the processing of the ACT 49 of FIG. Then, the processor 12a proceeds to ACT50 when the balance B is equal to or more than the required charge amount C. If the balance B is less than the required charge amount C, the processor 12a returns to the ACT 23 and displays the charge screen SC4 again. In this way, the OK button BT7 is pressed during the deposit to charge the battery once, but if the balance B is less than the required charge amount C, the screen may return to the charge screen SC4 again.

In the above-described embodiment, in the information processing when the payment amount A exceeds the upper limit of the balance of the electronic money, the payment method for the balance paid by the electronic money up to the upper limit of the balance of the payment amount A is other than the electronic money. Regarding this point, for example, when the company's electronic money and the other company's electronic money can be handled, the balance may be paid with the other electronic money.

In the present embodiment, each means provided by the payment device 12 may be provided by the registration device 11 of the semi-self-type checkout system. In addition, a POS terminal of a POS system in which a clerk performs from product registration to payment may be provided. Alternatively, a POS terminal of a self-service checkout system, a so-called self-checkout system, in which the customer performs from product registration to payment may be provided. By the way, when the registration device 11 or the POS terminal is equipped with each means, the required charge amount may be notified to the user by using the customer display, or by using the touch panel. You may go to the clerk.

Of the means provided by the payment device 12, the designated means can be omitted. As long as the user deposits an amount equal to or greater than the required charge amount, the balance of electronic money will exceed the payment amount. Therefore, since the transaction can be settled, the settlement device 12 does not have to be provided with the designated means.

Similarly, by setting the upper limit of the balance to infinity or not set, the payment device 12 can omit the second notification means and the third payment means. When the upper limit of the balance is infinite or unset, the processor 12a always becomes YES in ACT9, and the information processing of the procedure shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 7 and 8 is not executed. Therefore, the payment device 12 does not have to include the second notification means and the third payment means.
In the above embodiment, the accounting data includes a product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, a payment amount, and the like. The accounting data need only include at least the product code and the quantity. In this case, the settlement device 12 that has received the accounting data searches the product database with the product code included in the accounting data, and acquires the product name, unit price, and the like. Then, the settlement device 12 calculates the payment amount from the unit price acquired from the product database and the number of pieces included in the accounting data.
In addition, the accounting data includes a transaction ID assigned to each transaction, and does not have to include the product code and the quantity. In this case, for example, the registration device 11 transmits the product code and the number of products that the customer wants to purchase to the server via the LAN. Further, the registration device 11 transmits the accounting data including the transaction ID to the settlement device 12. The settlement device 12 that has received the accounting data acquires the product code and the number of items from the server using the transaction ID included in the accounting data. Further, the payment device 12 searches the product database with the product code acquired from the server, and acquires the product name, unit price, and the like. Then, the payment device 12 calculates the payment amount from the unit price acquired from the product database and the number of items acquired from the server.

In addition, although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

10 ... Checkout system, 11 ... Registration device, 12 ... Payment device, 11a, 12a ... Processor, 11b, 12b ... Main memory, 11c, 12c ... Auxiliary storage device, 11d, 12d ... Communication unit, 11e ... Keyboard, 11f, 12e ... Scanner, 11g, 12f ... Touch panel, 11h ... Customer display, 11i, 12g ... Printer, 11j ... Drawer opening mechanism, 12h ... Reader / writer, 12i ... Change machine.

Claims (6)

How to get the payment amount and how to get the payment amount
Balance acquisition means to acquire the balance of electronic money,
When the balance is equal to or greater than the payment amount, the first settlement means for updating the balance to an amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount from the balance and settling the transaction.
When the balance is less than the payment amount, the first notification means for notifying the required charge amount set based on the amount obtained by subtracting the balance from the payment amount, and
Deposit means to accept deposits and
When the first notification means notifies the required charge amount and the deposit means receives a deposit equal to or greater than the required charge amount, the balance is calculated by adding the deposited amount to the balance to obtain the payment amount. A second payment method that updates the reduced amount and settles the transaction,
A payment device equipped with. Designated means to specify the charge amount,
Further equipped,
The payment device according to claim 1, wherein the payment means accepts payment on the condition that a charge amount equal to or larger than the required charge amount is designated by the designated means. The designation means is a means for designating the amount assigned to any of the amount buttons selected on the screen in which a plurality of amount buttons to which different amounts are assigned are arranged as the charge amount.
The payment device according to claim 2, wherein the first notification means displays and notifies the required charge amount on a part of the screen. An operation button for instructing the determination of the charge amount is further arranged on the screen.
The designating means allows the input of the operation button on condition that a charge amount equal to or greater than the charge required amount is specified.
The payment device according to claim 3, wherein the payment means accepts the payment in response to the input of the operation button. When the payment amount exceeds the upper limit of the balance of the electronic money, a second notification means for notifying the required charge amount set based on the amount obtained by subtracting the balance from the upper limit of the balance, and
When the second notification means notifies the required charge amount and the deposit means receives a deposit equal to or greater than the required charge amount, the balance is updated to zero and the balance obtained by subtracting the upper limit of the balance from the payment amount. About the third payment method that settles transactions by methods other than electronic money,
The payment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising. The computer of the payment device,
How to get the payment amount,
Balance acquisition means to acquire the balance of electronic money,
When the balance is equal to or greater than the payment amount, the first settlement means for updating the balance to an amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount from the balance to settle the transaction.
When the balance is less than the payment amount, the first notification means for notifying the required charge amount set based on the amount obtained by subtracting the balance from the payment amount.
Deposit means for accepting deposits and
When the first notification means notifies the required charge amount and the deposit means receives a deposit equal to or greater than the required charge amount, the balance is calculated by adding the deposited amount to the balance to obtain the payment amount. Second payment method to update the reduced amount and settle the transaction,
A control program to function as.